The best least talked about boat
 

I was gonna do a poll but it's easier just to ask and get responses.

Question:

What is a very good but "least talked about" or "recognized" offshore boat out there in terms of performance and quality. Maybe a boat that "got lost" and needs a little boost! Maybe we can identify a few and do a little overdue "horn tooting"!

Obviously it dosen't have to be the "least" but you know what I am getting at; a "sleeper" or "diamond in the rough".

You don't have to be "popular to be best" sometimes can apply.

Remember in making a decision "The only real valuable thing is intuition."

Give it a go?


My choice is going to be a Donzi 18' Classic or 22' Classic

L O A 18’0” (5.49m)
BEAM 7’0” (3.13m)
DRAFT, DOWN 29” (0.74m)
UP 14” (0.36m)
DEADRISE 24°
FUEL CAP 41 gal (155.2L)
WEIGHT (appr) 2,700 lbs (1224.7kg)
MAX HP 350 (261kw)
BRIDGE CLEARANCE 26” (.66m)

L O A 22’6” (6.86m)
BEAM 7’0” (3.13m)
DRAFT, DOWN 31” (0.79m)
UP 16” (0.41m)
DEADRISE 24°
FUEL CAP 52 gal (196.8L)
WEIGHT (appr) 3,400 lbs (1542kg)
MAX HP 470 (223.71kw)
BRIDGE CLEARANCE 28” (.71m

Just something reasonably priced and powered to have a blast with!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Without a doubt, it can only be....the Cobra!

Nuff' said :cool:

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Offshore??? In that Donzi? I duno what shore you've been hanging out on. With that freeboard you'll be pushin it in anything bigger than a bath tub.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

I agree, it would be a "fair-weather" lake boat.
Maybe I started a "dumb thread"?

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Nor-tech 43.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

:D :D :D

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

this one

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

28.8 Sunsation

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

40 Excalibur, im partial but mine is starting to suprise me.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Donzi was a good choice for protected waters. I am going to choose another that qualifies as a true ofshore.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

I don't know WHAT you guys are talking about with all that "protected water" crap with a Donzi 18 or 22. I've had both and ran them mostly on the San Francisco Bay and some on inland waterways. You'll get a little wet and with 18 you'll need goggles but they're both capable offshore boats. I've never had more fun offshore than in my 22 Classic. Run a boatv like that in big water and you'll learn how to drive an offshore boat.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

BTW, that Cobra looks SWEEEEET!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

When I read the title of this thread, Superboat was the first thing that came to mind.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Sutphen was the first thing that popped into my head.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Didn't know you had to have a lot of freeboard to go offshore? I was with a friend of mine in an 18 running 4-6 footers at 60 mph plus and passed a 30+ foot fountain. Heading back inland they came up and asked us how that little boat could run like that! :D

I know 4-6 footers isn't "big" offshore but it's enough to get some serious airtime! In a classic you sit down and hold on! Like lofty said "Run a boat like that in big water and you'll learn how to drive an offshore boat."

The boat that came to mind when I read the title was Kryptonite. I don't know why but I think those boats are sweet. And of course I can't find the pic I was looking for!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Here it is

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Superboat Y2K

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Activator, Sutphen, Kryptonite, Joker

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Saber.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

After Racing a few races with the Jersey Boys and seeing them perform up close
I would definately put Bad Boy Powerboats on the list
here is the 38

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Superboat! My buddy Krakmeup is having one built right now. Beautiful, well built, inexpensive. Can't wait for a ride!

As for 18 Donzi's... my 1970 Donzi 18 2+3 would get my vote for FUNNEST offshore boat! I ran from Texas City to Offatts Bayou in pretty snotty conditions last Friday and had a BALL! Serious air time!

Here's an original ad that looks just like my boat. It may actually be mine!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Dragon full epoxy layup and 98mph w/525's

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Manta.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Sutphen.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

28' Active Thunder - 70 ish with a 496HO and the ride of a 30+ footer

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Sutphen !

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

I'm not biased either:Jaguar!

Due

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

I'll second Scotty on this one!!!!!!

I had no clue who "BadBoy Powerboats" was.......

Then last year in Deerfield They had a few checkered flags running around in those "BadBoys", I looked at them up close back at the Pioneer Park Ramp, and was impressed!!!!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Hmmm, several come to mind, Superboat to give a nod to the northeast boys, can't beat that boat for build quality and value!! Sabre, for a bigger, hard-core ride.

And my current favorite in the under 20' category for the most fun, easiest to maintain and the most fun (did I say that already!?). Honestly, I have gotten more compliments and looks on this boat since I bought it 2 months ago, it's kinda crazy...

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Lavey Craft ?

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

The half dozen or so boats in powerboat nearly each and every month who advertise with them and seem to show up every year in the awards section. They must be good because they're in powerboat and no one ever talks about them. You know the ones, Dave's custom boats(dumb-azz name), Hallet, malibu, magic, etc., etc...:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

But seriously, I'm thinking superboat, kryptonite, lavey...they seem to do quite well on the race circuit, but you hear little about them.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

GOOD CALL CIG1!!!!!!

I knew you were good for something!!!!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

I like Lavey also... seem to be very nice boats,, but you never hear anything about them.. :) when we were shopping, I was trying to find a 29 nuera to look at..

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

The Donzi 18 Classic does have its limits in the rough stuff but it always surprises me at what it will handle. I take mine out in 2-3 footers on Lake Michigan and it's a blast, 4 footers start to beat you up pretty good though, and fives to sixes almost require a periscope and dive planes.

I'll put down the Reindl 28 Vamp as one of the best least talked about boats. There aren't many out there but they run awesome in the rough and draw plenty of stares. I wonder what one would do with a 750 NA BB and an Arneson ASD6?

- Jeff

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Donzi 22 Classic.... Sit down, shut the f**k up, and pucker real hard.

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

a.k.a. Ocke Mannerfelt Design B28... :D

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

:eek: Was that hurricane Hugo

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Avanti, Shockwave?

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Superhero boats, then to become SuperHawaii.(Marvel Comics had something to say about copyrights) Great boats!

Re: The best least talked about boat
 

Dam! That's SMOKIN'! What other 38' to 42' offshore's with 525's are in that speed range!? Just curious? Anybody? Ed :)